- A e r i t h -

Chapter #1 \ Strange Encounters

"Rohan, my man!"

I freeze in place. God, not this guy again. Taking a deep breath, I energetically turn around to face him.

"Ahh, Jack! Hey, how's It goin'?"

As he walks up to me, I suddenly get hit with a wretched smell.

"..You've been smoking marijuana again haven't you?" I said, gritting my teeth.

"You know me too well." Jack laughs, blowing the smoke into my face.

This guy... Is my co-worker. We work at a gas station called Sandra's. It's out in the middle of nowhere, so pretty much isolated. Isolated gas station = no customers. But to be honest i'm grateful I could even get a job.

Taking the dustpan and broom out of the storage, I swiftly sweep the tile. Honestly It's pretty peaceful here. Compared to the town, it's somewhat relaxing.

*DING!*

I turn my head towards the sudden sound.

"Hello!" a cheerful voice proclaims.

...A kid? No, he's probably somewhere around my age. His child-like appearance makes him seem way younger. But what's someone like him doing out in the middle of nowhere?

"Hi, welcome. Need anything?"

Setting the broom down, I quickly rush over to the register. *Let's make this quick, i'm not in the greatest mood.* I start tapping my fingers on the table as I wait for the man's response. For some reason he seems to be puzzled. His head turns left and right as if he's looking for something.

Suddenly, he leans towards me.

"Does a man named Jack work here? Y'know... Messy brown hair, dr*g addict vibes?" he whispered.

I lean back in surprise.

"Uh... I-" before I could fully respond, a loud crashing noise coming from the storage room stopped me.

I quickly hop the counter and rush to the storage room. Opening the door, I see Jack, completely trampled by the supply shelf.

"Jack! Are you-"

"Shh! I don't want Bennett to notice me!" Jack hissed, trying desperately to move the shelf.

"..Um okay. What should I do then?" I stuttered out.

"Just... Tell me him I'm gone or something, mkay?"

I exit the room, making sure to close the door behind me.

"What happened back there?"

I raise my head and flash Bennett an ingenuous smile.

"Ah... The shelf fell, it's nothing much. And about Jack, he's... on vacation...? Sorry."

"Vacation?.. Hm, alright. I could've sworn he'd be in today, thanks though." he said, "I'll be back tomorrow!"

Whew, today's been strange. This Bennett guy... I hope he doesn't become an issue in the future. But I don't care either way. It's Jack's problem, not mine.

Talking about strange, I heard a rumor going around my town. Something about Aerith and their final preparations? If I'm correct, Aerith is a town that's known for being extremely secretive. And all of a sudden, they're bringing in new people? It's strange indeed.

"We're closing for the night! You'd better get outta here, you of all people know how the boss can get." Jack called out.

"Oh, also do remember to actually do your job. Instead just dozing off." He advised, flashing me a evil smile.

God, I hate my job.

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